The form of this sponge is very characteristic, it consists of a basal cushion buried in sand or gravel, from which project large conical, translucent papillae. The surface of the papillae has a glassy, translucent appearance, through which vertical spicule fibres can be seen. A central core runs the length of the papillae, this is usually conspicuous in living material. The walls of the papillae are thick and robust with a roughened texture.White-cream to cream-yellow to grey (both cushions and papillae). Sometimes the base and papillae may be of different colours, the base being greyish yellow and the papillae translucent white? (This feature needs confirmation.)

Identificationfeatures:

Size:

Normally up to about 5-9 cm high, 0.5-0.6 mm in diameter

Behaviour:

The sponge base is generally covered with sand, only the erected brushes are visible

Diet:

Filterfeeder

Distribution:

Depth:

30m

Habitat:

It is usually found in the circalittoral zone in areas exposed to moderately strong wave action or tidal streams.